Saturday, August 16, 2008, Day 29.

On our last day we dined at Fred's, a delightful Mexican restaurant not far from our condo. We took a last walk along the beach before departing for the airport. It's been a wonderful experience for all and a treasure of memories. Aloha.

Bob's Blog

Friday, August 15, 2008. Day 28.

The Enchanting Floral Gardens on Haleakala's slopes are a spectacular display of flowers from Hawaii and around the world.

Bob's Blog

Thursday, August 14, 2008. Day 27.

Quip of the Trip.
Vicky's hair bleached out from three weeks under the Hawaiian sun prompting Dave to quip, "You must be getting dumber."

Bob's Blog

Wednesday, August 13, 2008. Day 26.

The Old Lahaina Luau is reputed to be the best on the Islands, and it didn't disappoint. From traditional Hawaiian drink and food to native song and dance, it was a spectacular evening. We dined on roast pork from the underground oven, supplemented with chicken, beef, mahi mahi, poi, sweet potato and Hawaiian style salads and vegetables. The evening's entertainment took us through the Islands history via lively hula dancers and drums from mythological times to the present. It was an outstanding show.

Bob's Blog

Tuesday, August 12, 2008. Day 25.

While the enthusiasts took surfing lessons, we spent a relaxing day and enjoyed another beautiful Maui sunset.

Bob's Blog

Monday, August 11, 2008. Day 24.

The Iao Needle is an impressive sight. It rises several hundred feet above the surrounding terrain. The location of one of the last battles for Hawaii in 1790, it is now a beautiful park with pathways that wind through the rain forest.

The Olowalu Petroglyphs on Maui's west coast depict significant events from earlier times. Their age is unknown.

Bob's Blog

Sunday, August 10, 2008. Day 23.

Over the first couple of weeks many of us took underwater photos. Here are a few of them.

Bob's Blog

Saturday, August 9, 2008. Day 22.

The insomniacs arose at 3:30 am to make the trek to Haleakala's summit to view the sunrise. A million stars lit the predawn sky and the following sunrise was spectacular.

Dave's Blog

Friday, August 8, 2008. Day 21.

The Lahaina Prison was built in 1852 to house rowdy sailors who got extra happy while ashore. The coral wall was built two years later. A 1923 Model T Ford is rusting away outside the gates.

Bob's Blog

Thursday, August 7, 2008. Day 20.
I captured this photo while doing my National Geographic certification off of Ulua Beach, Maui, HI.
Dave's Blog

Wednesday, August 6, 2008. Day 19.

Every Wednesday is Mai Tai Wednesday at the pool including live entertainment.

Bob's Blog

Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Day 18.

The Maui Ocean Centre is an outstanding aquarium of Hawaiian sea life. We were able to view the creatures we didn't see in the ocean.

Bob's Blog

Monday August 4, 2008. Day 17.

Sharron and I spent an enjoyaable day at Lahaina strolling along Front Street and its many shops. A large cruise ship was in port having just arrived from Australia. We had supper at Leilani's in Kaanapali and watched the sunset.

Bob's Blog

Sunday, August 3, 2008. Day 16

Today we returned to Makena Beach for another day of sand, swimming and snorkelling. Those who ventured out in the water were rewarded with the view of a dozen turtles. Us land lubbers played in the sand and found some welcome shade.

Bob's Blog

Saturday, August 2, 2008. Day 15.

Another relaxing morning at the beach. There are a number of humourous T shirts to be seen here. This is one of them.

Bob's Blog

Friday, August 1, 2008. Day 14.

Bob, Dave and I enjoyed a pleasant afternoon at the Elleair Maui Golf Club. The wind wasn't as strong today as it was last week so we played a bit better. We enjoyed the GPS that showed the distance to the group ahead of you and the distance to the hole. Now if they could teach it to find your ball, it would be perfect.

This evening all 18 of us gathered for a BBQ in the courtyard in our condo. It's a great facility with lots of room for large groups.

Bob's Blog

Thursday, July 31, 2008. Day 13

Today all the siblings (Vicky, Janice, Me, Dave, Tony and Tracy) took a diving/snorkeling charter out to Molokini Crater and to Wailea Point. I took my first dive as a certified certifyable diver and Dave took his very first intro Scuba dive . . . He's now happily hooked!

While I was down at Molokini I got my wish for the trip when a ~10 foot wide Manta Ray sailed into the crater! As if it couldn't get better, we were all rewarded with another Manta Ray encounter at Wailea Point later that morning.

Dave's Blog

While the scuba divers were out at Molokini, Grandma and I took Paul out for his first ice cream cone. It was a memorable outing.

Bob's Blog

Wednesday, July 30, 2008. Day 12.
The Anihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve is several hundred acres of lava field and coast line on the south coast. One of the best snorkelling spots on the island is the "Aquarium" accessible only by a one mile hike over the lava field. We went early as the sun rose over Haleakala. The fish were abundant and incredibly colourful. Then it was the difficult trek back to the road, but well worth the effort.
Bob's Blog

Tuesday, July 29, 2008. Day 11.

Haleakala Crater rises over 10,000 feet above the sea. It's a long, slow drive to the top, but well worth the trip. The crater was clear, providing a spectacular view while the clouds hung below us on the mountain slope.

Bob's Blog

Monday, July 28, 2008. Day 10.

Today turned out to be the Canadian Chapter of the Maui Triathalon. It's run 10 meters, swim 10 meters and drink 10 beers. It looks like Tony and Dave tied and are cowinners of the pink sand pail.

Bob's Blog

Sunday, July 27, 2008. Day 9.

We had lunch today at Las Pinatas, a neat Mexican restaurant in Kahului. It's adorned with dozens of pinatas hanging from the ceiling. And the food is good too.

Bob's Blog